Civic Center Plan Submitted

December 4, 1986|Staff reports

DANIA -- The developer of a proposed civic center is going ahead with building plans despite intentions by the city to file a suit to reclaim 22 acres of city-owned land on which the center was to be built.

Building plans were submitted Wednesday by David Graham, Harbour Towne Marina owner and developer, for a $500,000 civic center by the Dania Cut-off Canal next to Tugboat Annie`s restaurant, said city building official Paul Maxwell.

City Attorney Frank Adler was instructed last week to file suit against Graham, claiming the developer violated a 1980 lease agreement. Adler has been out of town and has not yet filed the lawsuit, said City Manager Eugene Jewell. Graham and representatives of Gramco, the parent company, have not returned repeated phone calls.

In September, Graham was given a six-month extension on an already extended lease to finish the civic center. Under the 30-year lease agreement, Graham could build docks and marina-related facilities on city-owned park land, but must pay $25,000 a year in rent to the city plus a percentage of the income and build the civic center.

Graham has said he already spent $3.5 million on marina improvements at Houston Park, 850 NE Third St.